Cost: $19.95
Grape: Grenache (50%) Syrah (25%) Carignan (25%)
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Rhône
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Maucoil
Alcohol: 14.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Intense & powerful yet shows finesse. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, fine grain tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Cherry, raspberry, plum, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, anise, vanilla & cherrywood

Negatives: The heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Point: Organic wine

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Stewed Beef Tips with gravy

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 30, 2022

LCBO: 638502

Cost: $13.95 (Sale Price until March 27, 2022: $11.95)
Grape: Montepulciano
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Controguerra, Abruzzo
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Azienda Agricola Dino Illuminati
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Good table wine. Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Sour cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, licorice, arugula, thyme & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Use the smaller Sangiovese or Tempranillo glassware

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3-5 years on its own or pair it with pizza.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 11, 2022

LCBO: 269985

Cost: $15.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Monterey County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Longford Estate Winery
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

For a wine that’s priced at under $16 this is not your typical commercial Cali Cab as it’s not flabby, sweet or high alcohol and it has character. Score: 88/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, blackcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, plum, cocoa, vanilla & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Sustainably farmed vineyard

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with Slow Cooked Prime Rib with Plum Glaze

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: Feb 5, 2022

LCBO: 20725

Cost: $14.95
Grape: 55% Négrette, 20% Syrah, 15% Cab Sauv 10% Cab Franc
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Fronton, South West France
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Bellevue La Forêt
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Fresh first palate, then fruity and spicy when the wine opens up. Score: 90/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Elderberry, Aronia berry, blackberry, blackcurrant, cocoa, nutmeg, pepper & baby arugula.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Négrette, a unique grape variety in the world, appeared in the 12th century under the name of “MAVRO” (black in Greek) brought from Cyprus by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Demanding, it has become acclimatized to this single terroir of Fronton; Négrette is one of the rare grape varieties to reveal aromas in wine identical to those found when crunching fresh grapes.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Coffee and Cracked Pepper Rubbed Smoked Beef Brisket.

My Opinion: Recommended
Best Buy
Tasted: Jan 22, 2022
LCBO: 354134